08/03/2024 - Switzerland will host the shoot for this Swiss-British co-production, with a renowned crew both in front and behind the camera

Director Anton Corbijn (© Elena Ternovaja) and actress Helen Mirren (© Harald Krichel)

Dutch filmmaker Anton Corbijn, known for unique and award-winning feature films like Control [+see also:
trailer
film profile], The American or A Most Wanted Man [+see also:
trailer
making of
film profile], is preparing to shoot a new thriller, titled Switzerland. Parts of it will be shot in different parts of the country of the same name. Production is expected to begin between autumn and winter 2024. Shooting will take place in several places, among them the German-speaking city of Zurich in the East of Switzerland and the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino in the South. 

The Swiss-British co-production will see a fictional version of author Patricia Highsmith involved in a stressful relationship with her ambitious literary agent. The US American author Highsmith, who spent the last days of her life in Switzerland, will be played by British actress Helen Mirren (Golda [+see also:
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trailer
film profile], The Duke [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile], Anna [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). Alden Ehrenreich (Fair Play) will be at her side in the role of her agent. 

The script for the film was written by Australian author Joanna Murray Smith and promises a mixture of suspense and psychological depth, reflecting Highsmith's haunting literary style. Switzerland is a collaboration between the production company Zurich Avenue by Karl Spoerri and Brouhaha Entertainment by Gabrielle Tana. 

Spoerri says: “Switzerland as a film location plays a crucial role in Switzerland. Zurich Avenue is delighted to bring the country's unique landscapes and cultural landmarks to life in this international production. Switzerland is not only intended to be a gripping thriller, but also a visual event that pays tribute to the beauty of our country.” He adds: “It is a great honour for Zurich Avenue to work with Anton Corbijn, Helen Mirren and Gabrielle Tana. We are looking for universal stories with strong characters — often inspired by true events — that resonate globally. Switzerland fits perfectly with our vision.”